10 Thoughts to “To our brave soldiers, we honor you today….THANK YOU”

  1. EricByler
    May 26, 2008 at 3:18 pm

    Elena, can you explain a bit more about this video? Red Dawn, I’d like to see what you have to add to this.

  2. Elena
    May 26, 2008 at 3:27 pm

    “Rolling Thunder is an annual motorcycle rally that is held in Washington, DC during the Memorial Day weekend to call for the government’s recognition and protection of Prisoners of War (POWs) and those Missing in Action (MIAs). About 400,000 veterans will roar across Washington, DC on their motorcycles as a tribute to American war heroes. ”

    The sound of the roaring motorcycles is to replicate the sound of militray choppers. I like this video in particular because I felt like the message was one of bringing wars to an end, of remembering our fallen soliders and their sacrafice, not just present day, but past also.

    http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,358085,00.html

    http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10493581

  3. kgotthardt
    May 26, 2008 at 6:32 pm

    By Julia LeDoux

    Published: May 25, 2008

    The sound of thunder —Rolling Thunder — could be heard in Dumfries on Sunday morning as nearly 3,000 motorcyclists revved their engines on U.S. 1 near East Coast Harley for the annual Ride to the Wall.

    The event, in its 21st year, honors the nation’s veterans and helps to raise awareness of prisoners of war and those missing in action, according to organizers. It also advocated for the fair treatment of veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

    “It’s beautiful,” said Dumfries resident Heather Tucci as she balanced daughter, Jenna, 6, on her shoulders so she could get a better look at the bikes as made their way down U.S. 1 to the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on Interstate 95 for the ride to the Pentagon and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Nearby was Heather’s husband, Brian, who was snapping photographs of the colorful spectacle. American and POW/MIA flags flapped in the breeze from behind many of the bikes. Many of the veterans who were making the ride had patches with the insignias of the units they served with on their leather jackets.

    “I ride for the vets,” said Marion, Ohio, resident Gary Cox, who was riding in his fourth Rolling Thunder and is a member of the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club and the American Legion. The Marine veteran served aboard Quantico in 1976.

    “I’ve logged over 10,000 miles for veterans in the past two years,” he added.

    Dumfries is the largest staging event for the ride in Virginia, event organizers said. The riders made their way to the Pentagon under police escort, passing under a huge American flag suspended between two cranes.

    Before the riders pulled out, a prayer for a safe trip was said and the haunting strains of Taps could be heard.

    The riders also heard from Col. Rich Anderson, commanding officer of Security Battalion on Quantico Marine Corps base, who has been deployed to Iraq four times. Anderson recalled the four Marines under his command who were killed in Iraq and their families, who he remains in constant contact with.

    “They feel the pain each and every day,” Anderson told the crowd. “They are never going to be the same.”

    Anderson urged those gathered for the ride to reach out to the family members of slain service members.

    “Call them up,” he urged. “The pain and sacrifice is exponential.”

    Montclair resident Charlie Wilson, 8, might have to wait a few years before he can make the ride, but that didn’t stop him from bringing out his battery operated mini-Harley.

    “Santa brought him that,” laughed his dad, John, as mom Bridget looked on. The couples’ oldest son, Jake, recently completed basic training for the Marines.

    “It’s a patriotic thing,” Bridget Wilson said of the event.

    Koa Peterson, 3, of Dumfries, waved at the riders who roared past her. She was looking for her uncle, Ricky Stramer.

    “We do it every year,” said Koa’s mom, Stephanie Peterson, who was also celebrating her birthday.

    When the riders arrived in Washington, they heard speeches, tributes and music. Actor John Amos read Gen. Colin Powell’s “A Letter to a Soldier.”

    http://www.insidenova.com/isn/news/local/article/rolling_thunder_honors_veterans/16101/

  4. kgotthardt
    May 26, 2008 at 7:31 pm

    Hey what’s up? Is there no BOCS meeting tomorrow? I didn’t see it on their schedule.

  5. Marie
    May 26, 2008 at 9:11 pm

    If you have never seen it or heard it, it is an amazing show.

  6. EricByler
    May 26, 2008 at 9:44 pm

    Thanks everyone. Learn something every day…

  7. Elena
    May 26, 2008 at 10:32 pm

    Thanks for the article KG!

  8. Moon-howler
    May 27, 2008 at 4:39 am

    It could be heard in Westgate and Sudley early Sunday morning from the neighborhoods. You didn’t have to be on 66 to hear them roar.

  9. YOO HOO
    May 27, 2008 at 7:33 pm

    Posted by Red Dawn

    I would like to HONOR my fellow American.
    Her name is Melly and I just heard from her by email. She has posted a new video about where she is and why she has not been in contact.

    For those of you that remember me talking about her and posting her videos….here is the latest!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kew_g2jkUM

    for those of you who are unfamiliar with me talking about her…check out her videos on.
    I found her story interesting BEFORE 9500Liberty and it was IRONIC that she ended up there…anyway, there is a lesson to be learned.
    I am so PROUD of her!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kew_g2jkUM

  10. Red Dawn
    May 27, 2008 at 7:44 pm

    * check out her videos on youtube :), I got to excited…so proud of her!!!!!

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